NASHVILLE, Tenn. – When spring comes to Nashville, it chooses Cheekwood as its main stage every year! With large-scale colorful plantings, special programming and naturally gorgeous views, the botanical garden and art museum are a must-see for locals and visitors alike as the seasons change.

More than 100,000 brilliantly colored tulips are set to bloom across Cheekwood’s grounds in early April--nearly double the number used to create 2013’s impressive carpet of color--along with daffodils, magnolias, redbuds, and dogwoods. The organization’s signature spring festival, Cheekwood in Bloom, will kick off on March 22 with six weeks of family-friendly seasonal programming, quality entertainment and plenty of creative opportunities to explore and experience nature’s seasonal beauty.

“Spring allows us show off a bit here at Cheekwood,” said Patrick Larkin, Senior Vice President of Gardens & Facilities at Cheekwood. “Since we received such an overwhelming response to last year’s tulip display, we decided to double the intensity and color for a view you won’t find anywhere else in the area. We can’t wait for that first bloom to make its appearance so we can kick off the festivities with our members and visitors.”

With Garden tours, live music and interactive programs for all-ages, Cheekwood is Nashville’s premier place to experience and celebrate spring. Following is a full schedule of all events and programs; complete details are available at cheekwood.org.

Weekend Activities, March 22 – April 27 SATURDAYS

Family Studio Drop-In ‘ART’ivities 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join us in the studios each weekend and create a spring-inspired art project to celebrate the season. Open to all ages!

Live Music: Jazz in the Herb Garden
Nashville Jazz Workshop Ensemble
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Have a seat, enjoy the view and relax in our garden to the soothing sounds of our talented friends from Nashville Jazz Workshop.

Saturday, March 22 Modern Twist: Family Day 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bring the whole family for exciting Japanese-themed activities to celebrate the opening of our Modern Twist exhibition. Watch as master bamboo artist Mr. Ueno Masao creates a giant sculpture in the courtyard, try your hand at origami, view a traditional tea ceremony, observe an Ikebana flower arranging demo, create a cultural craft in the studios and take a guided tour of Shōmu’en, our Japanese Garden. It’s a wonderful, interactive way for all ages to experience this amazing exhibition!

Saturday, March 29 Zoo on the Move 12:00 pm
The Nashville Zoo is coming to Cheekwood! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn fun facts from expert animal educators and meet our animal guests as they visit our grounds. You never know what kind of animals will be here—all ages will be wild about this show!

Saturday, April 5 Nashville Puppet Truck presents The Stonecutter 12:00 pm
Featuring Japanese Bunraku puppetry, this traditional Asian folktale teaches two life lessons: be happy with who you are and make your wishes carefully! We’re so excited to welcome our favorite puppeteers from the Nashville Public Library & Wishing Chair Productions for another spectacular all-ages show.

Saturday, April 12 Nashville Ballet presents Ferdinand the Bull 12:00 pm
Enjoy the Nashville Ballet’s delightful interpretation of the beloved tale of Ferdinand, a gentle bull who prefers to smell the flowers than to spend his time in the bullfighting ring. With music, choreography, and bright costumes inspired by Pablo Picasso, this ballet performance is a fabulous way to spend a colorful spring day at Cheekwood!

Celebrate spring in style with egg hunts, crafts, performances, music and more at the 22nd annual Spring Art Hop. This special event has long been one of Nashville’s favorite spring traditions, and this year’s edition is packed full of even more activities and excitement for families and kids of all ages. We’ll be hiding over 20,000 eggs, so don’t forget to bring your basket!

Saturday, April 26 Tennessee Craft Day Watching a skilled artist or craftsperson at work is an inspiring experience—and we can’t wait to share it with you! On Tennessee Craft Day, talented local artists will exhibit their mastered skills, explain their processes, and answer questions from art lovers and artists of all ages.

About Cheekwood Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate. Our mission is to preserve Cheekwood as an historical landmark where beauty and excellence in art and horticulture stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit. Cheekwood is located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive in Nashville, 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville. New 2014 Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday nights May – October open until 10 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for college students and $7 for children 3-17. Parking is $3 per car. For further information call 615-356-8000 or visit cheekwood.org.